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The history of Rome begins with its legendary founding in 753 BC by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. According to legend, the two brothers were abandoned as infants and raised by a she-wolf. Romulus eventually killed Remus and became the first king of Rome. Rome was ruled by a monarchy for several centuries before the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC.
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During the Republic, Rome was involved in a series of wars that greatly expanded its territory. The Punic Wars fought against Carthage, were particularly significant. Rome emerged victorious and became the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean.
In 27 BC, the Roman Republic was transformed into the Roman Empire with the ascension of Octavian, who became known as Caesar Augustus. The Empire was characterized by a centralized government, with the emperor holding absolute power. Augustus oversaw a period of relative stability and prosperity, known as the Pax Romana.
During the height of the Roman Empire, Rome was the largest city in the world, with a population of over one million. The city was known for its magnificent architecture, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum. Rome was also a center of culture and learning, with many of the greatest writers, poets, and philosophers of the time living and working in the city.
Despite its wealth and power, the Roman Empire began to decline in the 3rd century AD. A series of weak emperors, economic problems, and invasions by barbarian tribes all contributed to the decline. In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire officially came to an end with the deposition of the last emperor, Romulus Augustus.
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However, the legacy of Rome continued to influence Western civilization for centuries to come. Roman law, language, and culture all had a lasting impact on Europe and beyond. Today, the ruins of ancient Rome continue to attract millions of visitors each year, as people marvel at the achievements of one of the greatest civilizations in history.
- Augustus: Augustus was the first emperor of Rome and is often considered one of the greatest. He ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD and oversaw a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
- Julius Caesar: Although not technically an emperor, Julius Caesar was a powerful Roman general and statesman who played a key role in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. He was assassinated in 44 BC.
- Nero: Nero was one of Rome's most infamous emperors, known for his cruelty and extravagance. He ruled from 54 to 68 AD and is famously said to have fiddled while Rome burned.
- Trajan: Trajan was a successful general who expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest extent. He ruled from 98 to 117 AD and oversaw a period of economic and cultural growth.
- Hadrian: Hadrian was known for his military campaigns and for building the famous wall that bears his name in Britain. He ruled from 117 to 138 AD and is considered one of Rome's "Five Good Emperors."
- Marcus Aurelius: Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher-king who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. He is known for his writings on Stoicism, which continue to be studied and admired today.
- Constantine the Great: Constantine is known for his role in the conversion of Rome to Christianity. He ruled from 306 to 337 AD and is considered one of the most important emperors in Roman history.
- Theodosius I: Theodosius I was the last emperor to rule over a united Roman Empire. He ruled from 379 to 395 AD and is known for his role in making Christianity the official religion of Rome.